Thursday, January 10, 2013

Are Homes Toxic?

My husbands cigarette box, courtesy the government, lists a handful of ingredients: Tar, Nicotine, Carbon monoxide, Formaldehyde, Hydrogen cyanide, and Benzene. There are probably more to list, but the flap is only so big. Many families with smokers have taken measures to keep the children (or themselves) away from smoke. They take it to one ventilated room, take it outside, or for the ultimate and only full protection they wisely abandon smokes forever.

You’re no doubt aware of that, considering all the media attention on a cigarette’s toxic fumes. What you may not be aware of is the “ingredient list” of everything that remains in your home. There are still dangerous fumes in homes everywhere, and I’m not talking about so and so’s habit of breaking wind.

Our homes have their own toxic sludge, even sharing some “ingredients” with cigarettes, like Formaldehyde!

Did you know?

*Wrinkle-free sheets contain formaldehyde. Your mattress probably does too!

*Some bath towels contain toxic chemical residues.

*If a family members workplace has issues with asbestos, lead, or other toxins, said toxins can be carried home!

*That “new car smell” is Vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen.

*Is your house over 30 yrs. old? Until the ’70’s many paints, floor finishes, and possibly more home renovation supplies still contained lead.

*Do you have a wood deck or swing set in your back yard put in before 2004? Weather resistant lawn items made before a certain 2004 (US) ban contain arsenic.

*Most popular home cleaning products contain Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) which are linked to various medical problems including cancer.

Craig Mouldey, the Wood Flooring Guy (www.woodflooringguy.com) says, “there are many products in our homes, including plywood, the core of cabinets, and likely even laminate that uses a urea-formaldehyde adhesive.” Your furniture, your carpets, pretty much everything made by man contains VOCs.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates that 15% of the population currently suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Environmental Illness due to the toxic environments we live in. So many home toxins are in fact, like cigarettes, linked to cancers and other debilitating illnesses. The next front in health may be the home front.

Tips for Clearing the Air in Your Home

-Avoid chemical products and cleaners

+Instead use common baking products like vinegar and baking soda or purchase “all-natural” non-chemical cleaners. If you have a closet full of chemicals, call your local government office for information about their disposal. They consider these items hazardous waste!

-Avoid the use of aerosol sprays (Includes hygiene products!)

+Search for alternatives to aerosol cleaners and hygiene products. If you’re an air freshener addict you can substitute it with an open box of baking soda in every room. You can use herbs as potpourri. For more substitutions see this page from NY’s DEC website. (http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/hhw1.htm)

+Keep up on maintenance of furnace, air conditioners, etc. Consider investing in some kind of air filter or cleaner.

+Ventilate high humidity areas such as bathrooms. In fact, ventilate the whole house weather permitting. Recent studies show indoor air pollution is worse than outdoor, even in the big city.

+Have your home tested for radon gas, mold, lead, asbestos and other more common pollutants.

+Use solid wood or at least seal any plywood or particleboard.

+Install hard floors and use very few rugs. Hard floors, which you can wipe clean, won’t harbor VOCs residue from cleaners and aerosols like carpets do. Choose stone, tiles or hardwood floors with nontoxic varnishes.

Also, when making purchases for your home be it bed sheets or renovation plans, google for product information and read labels to find out about the products safety. Look for “low-emitting,” “pesticide free,”"no outgassing” or “no offgassing,” and other related key phrases.

You won’t be able to keep out all chemicals, but you may be able to reduce the VOCs in your home by making environmentally friendly choices whenever possible. More than ever there are companies devoted to making safer products for your home. By being VOC-conscious you’ll also reduce the amount of hazardous waste being dumped into landfills when the time comes to dispose of your less hazardous belongings. As an unrelated but added bonus the time it takes to research products may prevent unnecessary purchases that would just add clutter to your home and put a hole in your pocketbook. Being toxin conscious thus has a myriad of positive effects!

Being a smart and toxin-aware shopper will help you clear the air in your home. You can make the world a little safer for your family and community.

Useful Resources

CHEC http://www.checnet.org/

Indoor Air Pollution Fact Sheet* http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=117535

*Presently includes contact info. to obtain a free pamphlet containing more household products and their associated risks.

VOCs info. from the EPA http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Water Damage Milpitas CA, Mold Removal, Air Duct Clening, Fire Damage Restoration

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Using A Biohazard Suit -- Facts About Mold And Mold Cleanup

A biohazard suit is only one of the necessary steps when it comes to cleaning toxic substances such as mold. Modern homes often have poor air quality, but this fungal growth can make you extremely ill and may even be fatal. When cleaning it up, you need to take every step you can in order to keep yourself and others safe. This includes using the correct protective garment and cleaners.



Mold, Mildew And Its Effects



The fungal growth as well as the damp conditions required for these substances to grow can have a series of negative effects on your health. These invaders can cause irritated eyes, throats, and noses as well as allergic reactions. Many people living with this problem also experience respiratory problems such as difficulty taking full breaths and wheezing. Coughing and phlegm build up also occurs frequently.



Some people are more at risk than others are. Those with respiratory problems such as asthma find mold often brings on attacks. Studies examining the connection between the start of asthma and fungal growth are currently ongoing.



Other people such as those with HIV/AIDS and immune system issues, transplant recipients, and those suffering with leukemia and other cancers are also sensitive to this growth. black mold poses a particularly high risk including extensive internal and external health problems as well as pulmonary hemorrhaging in infants.



Removal Of Mold



Because this fungus reproduces by letting off dangerous spores, safety garments and other precautions are necessary. Check to ensure the safety gear you use has a high enough safety rating. In addition to protecting your skin from contact with a protective garment, you will also need respiratory protection and safety eyewear to protect your eyes.



Standard cleaning chemicals are ineffective at cleaning, killing, and permanently removing this type of growth. You will need bleach or specialized anti-fungal cleaners to ensure the substance doesn't return. Unfortunately, this also means that fumes become a major concern. Therefore, make sure to open windows and doors to the outdoors to ensure you get a steady influx of fresh air.



Soft surfaces such as wood, drywall, and carpets are particularly difficult to work with. In these instances, you are better to hire professionals who will arrive in a biohazard suit and spray special mold chemicals and remove areas that are too far gone to clean. If you find this substance on a disposable item, you are best to put on the appropriate protective garment and simply toss it into a garbage bag, seal it shut and immediately take it out to go to out with the refuse. Finally, the biohazard suit and other items you use to clean up the area should be disposed of as well to prevent spreading the invasion.



Mold is definitely something that shouldn't be taken lightly. Wearing a biohazard suit and the correct protective garments will ensure that everyone stays safe. If you are unsure or find the job becomes too big to handle, you are best to hire experts. They can remove the harmful substances and prevent them from harming anyone or spreading keeping everyone safe and as healthy as possible.



Christine O'Kelly is an author for MPE Safety Apparel, the protective garment specialists. They offer a full range of disposable Tyvek clothing as well as a biohazard suit and accessories at affordable prices.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Mold Removal Hayward CA, Air Duct Cleaning, Water & Fire Damage Restoration

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Advice and Tips on Burst Pipe in Minneapolis

A burst pipe is a common household problem. One news report told of such an incident in one apartment in Minneapolis where a pipe in the basement burst while the tenants were sleeping. The burst pipe caused flooding in the basement, damaging appliances and soaking other personal items. Even big institutions and commercial establishments deal with burst pipes from time to time. Take for example the incident in the University of Minnesota just this year when a cooling system pipe burst and sent water flowing from one floor to another, creating an estimated $1 million worth of damages.

Although common, not everyone knows exactly why pipes burst. Perhaps if homeowners are more aware of what causes it, they can take preventive measures and avoid incurring losses due to burst pipes. The age of the pipes is one factor. Naturally, any object weakens with age and pipes certainly are no exception. No matter what type of pipes a building has, they will eventually get old and wear down. This is also means that aside from water pipes, other pipes like those connected to the sewerage system can also burst and that would need urgent sewer back up cleaning. Low temperatures also contribute to burst pipes because the cold expands pipe material and this makes the pipes weak and susceptible to bursting.

What to Do After a Burst Pipe Incident

After discovering that you have a burst pipe and it has caused flooding in your home, your first thought would probably be "I need to get this water out of here immediately". That's understandable since it's easy to get all panicked with the sight of the flood or water damage ceiling and the water just pouring into the room that all can you think about is how to drain the water. But water extraction should not be the primary concern. The only way you can start extracting the water, cleaning up and drying the area is if you stop the water from flowing in first.

So, the first action you must take is to stop the main water source. Then you can now attend to removing the water. After water removal, the flooded area should be properly dried and fully ventilated to lower the humidity in the room. Remove all soaked objects like furniture and carpets and immediately dry them outside or turn them over to a professional cleaner. Proper and timely drying of wet surfaces and objects would lessen the probability of mold formation. It is best if you can get all this done right away because the longer a surface or an object is exposed to water, the more chances of damage.

Tips to Avoid Pipe Bursts

During winter, it is important for homeowners to ensure that their water pipes do not freeze since pipe freeze eventually leads to the pipes bursting. To protect water pipes from extremely low temperatures, homeowners should make sure to that their pipes are well-insulated.

In addition, if you are going away on a winter vacation, do not just leave behind your house to endure the harsh weather without winterizing it. Do the same to your summer houses. Otherwise, the water pipes may burst while you're away and just imagine the scale of water damage that will do to your home.

If you live in an old house, check the condition of the water pipes. Needless to say, old pipes are more likely to burst so consider making pipe replacements.

Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS. To learn more about clean sewage visit our website. Click here for more information on burst pipe minneapolis.

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Monday, January 7, 2013

Poway Water Damage |Call Flood Doctors 858 486-1496

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Edward Birkholz

Ultrasonic Cleaning equipment

Cleaning is an important part of many industrial processes. To extend their life you may want to clean your equipment and tools: some may be precision instruments that need regular servicing and calibration. With all equipment dirt, residue and grease tha... Read >

Removing Mold

One of the most efficient ways to remove mold is with injection mold cleaning or sometimes with ultrasonic washers. This will rid mold from even the most difficult-to-reach parts of an item and will kill it off with extreme temperatures and pressure in su... Read >

Cleaning Intricate Metal Parts

Ultrasonic cleaners are very much in demand in the market these days. Everyone is smitten by the fact that these cleaners are so effective and provide spotless cleansing action towards all the objects. However, it is not true to say that there are absolut... Read >

How to Build A Ultrasonic Cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaners are gaining popularity these days because they provide the best cleaning mechanism and also involve a hassle free cleaning process. However, there are many of us who can’t afford an ultrasonic cleaner as it is quite expensive and isn’t... Read >

Ultrasonic Cleaners: Giving a New Finish to your Metallic Parts

Just imagine that that the chrome painted parts of your Harley-Davidsons have lost their charm. Well it is not very tough to imagine. Nevertheless, thinking of a way to restore these parts so that they look shiny forever is very difficult. Generally every... Read >

Sunday, January 6, 2013

El Cajon Water Damage |Call Flood Doctors 619 447-4444

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Water Damage San Rafael, Mold Removal, Air Duct Cleaning, Fire Damage Restoration

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Is Being A Codependent The Sign Of A Bad Relationship?


Codependents are people who exhibit far too much caring for people who depend on them. While this may not seem like a component of a bad relationship at first, codependency leads to several unhealthy outcomes, including the tendency to smother a loved one with over affection or self sacrifice to the point of martyrdom.

This is most commonly exhibited by the archetypical over protective parent, who cossets their children to the point that these kids never really mature, and are left unable to fend for themselves when they are alone. Spouses and girl/boy friends can also exhibit codependency in a lot of ways that can be ultimately unhealthy. Examples can include a wife who lets her husband become an alcoholic and physically abuse her, and she stays in the relationship simply because he "needs her to look after him". If you're wondering whether you're a codependent, here are some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for.

The first sign of codependency is completely altruistic love and affection. While there's nothing wrong with loving someone, the healthiest relationships in the world are two-sided. If all you're doing in the relationship is giving and giving, and you get nothing in return other than a "noble" feeling of being a "good" person, the odds are high that you're a codependent.

The second sign of codependency is the philosophy of "living for him/her". While a beautiful and romantic notion, this is a mindset that, when taken to an extreme, is very self destructive. While in most good relationships the partners value each other, there is no law that says you should stop thinking about yourself. If you don't think about your own benefit at all, and even worse, if you think of the cliche "I'll die without him/her", you're probably a codependent.

The third sign is a tendency to condone almost anything and everything your partner, child, or parent does. This is a serious problem that causes a huge number of social problems in the world today. Children raised by parents who cease to discipline them and teach them properly will grow up spoiled and arrogant, often becoming belligerent, problematic, and unproductive members of society later on. Spouses who are likewise treated this way will often become alcoholics/drug addicts, will cheat on their wives/husbands, and abuse their family members in general.

The fourth sign is smothering. This is the exact opposite of condoning everything, and manifests in a blanketing over protectiveness that makes you do almost everything for your loved one. You cook for them, clean after them, pick up their trash after them, and keep the rest of the "bad" universe away from them for fear that they will get hurt. This leads to individuals who are unable to fend for themselves at all in the absence of their codependent. These people cannot live by themselves and can do nothing even remotely productive.

Lastly there is the perfectionist type of codependency. This manifests as extreme discipline and training, wanting your loved one to be the "best", all for "his/her own good". This type of codependency often means that you have an image in your mind of a "perfect" person, and will do anything and everything to make your loved one fit that mold, no matter how unsuited he or she is to it. This leads to extremely unhappy relationships and broken homes. Children raised this way by demanding parents often break under the stress and require counseling later in life.

It can be argued that all relatioships have an element of codependency, it is the extreme of the tendency that can lead to a bad relationship.

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Friday, January 4, 2013

Mold Removal, Air Duct Cleaning, Water & Fire Damage in Santa Clara, CA

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

How to Have Mold Remediation in Pasadena, CA



Some of the common household problems found everywhere in the world include water damages, fungi and mold. Even the industrial and commercial structures have to go through these issues every now and then. Pasadena is no exception. A home to one of the leading research and cultural institutes, the city has a large number houses and other buildings affected by mold growth. To take care of mold remediation in Pasadena, CA there are a number of large and small mold remediation companies operating in the region. They offer mold remediation as well as water damage restoration services.

Dwellings can be affected by water damage in Pasadena in a number of ways. Building structures can also be damaged, valuable materials destroyed and most importantly, health of the individuals exposed can be marred. This is why it is not a problem that can be taken lightly or ignored. If there is a delay in remediation measures, further damages to the health and property become inevitable.

To cure water damage in Pasadena, a number of methods are used. There are some old traditional techniques and then there are some new innovative measures. These are applied accordingly depending on the extent and volume of the damage caused. If mold growth is found on a cellulose material, for example drywall or insulation, the material needs to be removed and replaced with another material that is mold resistant. Wooden or cemented surfaces need scrapping off with the use of a technique called hyper-sanding. In this technique, sand is applied to the hard surface and left for some time. Later, it is removed with the help of chemicals. If there are spores left, a hyper-vacuum can be used for a complete cleanup. There are a few other machines such as negative air machine and air scrubber used to replace the contaminated air with dry and warm air. Recently some innovative techniques of mold removal have been introduced by the remediation companies. These include dry fog and dry ice blasting. The airborne mold spores are removed with the application of dry fog. In dry ice blasting, dry ice pellets are sprayed over the material and left for some time. Later, it is removed easily and quickly. This technique has been gaining popularity owing to the fact that it is relatively much less tedious and requires less labor.

To take care of water damage in Pasadena, the appropriate method should be chosen and protective measure must be taken during the remediation process. Mold toxins can be quite harmful to the health and longer exposures can result in allergies. The use of gloves, face masks, goggles and overalls is recommended while carrying out remediation activities. Post-remediation evaluation and analysis is also important and must be done periodically to identify any hidden mold that might be present. This is also a facility provided by the mold remediation companies. Some preventive measures can also be helpful. Fixing of plumbing jobs and servicing of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment are some of the examples of preventing mold growth. Some very good and expert remediation companies have emerged to provide services of mold remediation in Pasadena, CA.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Mold Solutions

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

How to Clean Grout in Floors


Restroom cleanliness is one of the most common complaints cleaning companies receive. When cleaning restrooms, keep in mind that they should not only look clean, but that they should feel and smell clean. An important part in maintaining a high level of cleanliness is making sure the floor grout is clean. Grout is porous, so over time, moisture, contaminants, and even dirty mop water can discolor it. These circumstances can lead to staining, odors, and aid in the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

There are several reasons is it so difficult to clean floor grout:

* Using a cleaner that doesn't float contaminates to the surface.

* Using a cleaner that contains detergents that settle into the grout with dirt and oils.

* Sealers may have been improperly used in the past. Instead of keeping out dirt and oils, these may now be trapped in the grout.

* Acidic or high pH cleaners make grout more porous and fragile with the result being the grout re-soils faster.

* Cleaners used in the past may have left residues that become dirt magnets.

Before starting to clean tile and grout it is important to analyze what dirt and contaminants you're dealing with. Then based on that information, select a cleaner designed for cleaning that type of soil and is suitable for the flooring being cleaned.

Using the right cleaner and using it correctly are important steps to keeping grout clean. To avoid soap scum, daily cleaners must be salt free. When deep cleaning, the cleaner needs to be free of high levels of potassium and sodium salts. The cleaner you use must be able to float contamination up as well as transfer it to the mop so the grout comes clean. Carefully consider the pH of the product you are using. Acidic based cleaners (low pH) bleach rather than clean and basic cleaners (high pH) tend to be high in salts. Be cautious about the use of citrus products. Many of these products leave unwanted residues that make floors feel sticky. It is important to use the right chemical as bacteria can get trapped into grout and tile. It may be necessary to use a germicide cleaner, especially around toilets and urinals, to kill bacteria and remove any urine that has dried into the grout or tile.

Cleaning grout is often labor-intensive at times even requiring scrubbing by hand, which may not be practical in a large restroom. There are procedures you can follow to help keep grout clean. First, use a chemical proportioning system to dilute chemicals accurately. When you use too much chemical, sealants break down faster. Second, have adequate ventilation to help prevent the build up of odors and speed up drying. Frequent changing of mop water and mop heads helps to make sure that contaminants are picked up and not pushed back into the grout. Consider switching to microfiber mops as they have proven to be the most effective at removing contaminants from floor surfaces.

When cleaning, liberally apply chemicals and don't allow the floor to dry before scrubbing. Always allow proper dwell time, which is typically between 5 and 10 minutes. The next step is to use the right tool to scrub the floor surface. To effectively clean the surfaces use floor brushes. After thoroughly scrubbing the floor, remove the excess liquid. A wet vacuum works well as it will pick up the excess water, dirt, residue and cleaning chemical used on the floor.

New and innovative equipment can also make cleaning grout faster. High-pressure water systems (up to 1200 psi) can effectively deep clean, loosen, and remove soil. Some systems also heat the water, which aids in the cleaning process. Grout cleaning systems also have auto-feed/auto-dump capabilities so you can use them continuously without stopping. The machines pick up loosened soil and leave no residue. Another option is using cylindrical brush technology. These machines do not use pads like rotary buffers, but instead use rotating brushes. These brushes penetrate and loosen the dirt in grout and tile.

To keep grout and tile looking their best it is important to train your staff and make sure they continue to follow the proper procedures when cleaning grout. Having written procedures and checklists can help to assure the proper cleaning techniques are always followed.

Lack of attention, carelessness, and the wrong types of cleaners used will lead to dirty grout and the entire floor looking dull and dingy. Paying attention and spending a little extra time when cleaning grout will keep not only the floor, but the entire restroom, looking and smelling clean.

Copyright (c) 2006 The Janitorial Store

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Water Damage Elk Grove, Mold Removal, Air Duct Cleaning, Fire Damage Restoration

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Doing Your Own Stone Settings


Stone setting in general is much more difficult than many might suspect. There are short courses in various sorts of jewelry work but those provide only a basic starting place and years of experience needed to become truly proficient in many areas. Fortunately, if a person devotes time to stone setting and does enough of one style of setting to become comfortable with it, moving on to similar styles is not nearly as difficult as those "first trials".

As you likely know, stone setting is done in many different styles. Within those styles, one jeweler may use slightly different methods than would another jeweler doing the exact same job. There is room to experiment with methods but only after you have set a few stones and are pleased with the results. Once you have a feel for the metal and the gems, then you know enough not to totally mess-up by trying a slightly different method.

Stone Setting Styles. I will mention a few styles and recommend what I believe is the best place to begin.The prong settings using faceted stones. This is the best place to begin. Start with a round stone, perhaps 4mm to 7mm in diameter. Smaller stones are more difficult until you learn the "give and take" of the metal, while larger stones present other problems. Start with normal prongs, generally four or six to the setting.

There are lots of prong settings with fancy formed and decorated prongs but those are not the best with which to begin learning. I don't care if the prong settings are part of a pendant, ring or earrings. The idea is fairly plain and basic prong settings regardless of the jewelry type.

The Bezel Settings, is use a narrow area of metal around the girdle or waist of the stone to secure the stone in the setting. The most basic form is seen in typical southwestern turquoise jewelry, essentially a band of silver wrapped around the stone and pressed down toward the stone from the top.

The more dramatic and much more difficult bezel is "flush set", where a gemstone is set directly into the surface of metal such as on a ring band and the metal is burnished or hammered to the stone then finished for smoothness. This last technique is quite difficult for a beginner and is best left until you feel ready for it and have the equipment to do the job.

Channel Settings. You have seen these settings in which rows of stones are set into a "groove" or channel of metal. This is also a difficult job and should not be attempted to start. To try a channel setting without lots of previous metal and seat cutting experience will lead to frustration and disappointment. Look at channel set stones at a jewelry store.

Inexpensive jewelry is a "fake job" and the stones are in a channel but held in place with little burs of metal pushed over opposite sides of the stone. Stones fall out of these settings! A real channel set has the metal along the channel pushed down onto the stones, all along the channel. You need to learn to bezel set before doing channel settings since some similar techniques are used.

Bead Set or Pave Setting. This setting is done with hand tools in the final stages, forming metal over one stone at a time and sometimes two at a time using "graver" tools. This is advanced technique. A setting style with a similar look uses "needle point" prongs formed to start with in the metal. We can talk about that sometime down the road.

Fancy Shaped Stones. Even when using prong settings, fancy shaped stones need added techniques. Essentially the same methods are used to cut seats and tighten prongs for emerald cuts as for round and oval stones. Marquise and pear shapes have a pointed end requiring a different seat cutting method to hold the pointed end securely without breaking the stone! The problem with emerald cuts is getting the stone level and straight and secure enough that the stone will not "turn" in the prongs.

The problem with stones with pointed ends or corners is cutting the seat and tightening without damage to the stone. Such fancy shape are not to be feared but understood to be more difficult, requiring practiced hand control before attempting.

Settings. I recommend starting with simple prong settings, generally found in four and six prong versions. Note, jewelers often use the words settings, heads, crowns and mountings to mean the same thing.

Stone Shapes. I recommend round faceted stones in sizes from perhaps 4mm to 7mm. You may try ovals stone, too, but do a few rounds first. With ovals, over tightening any prong can make the stone go sideways a bit in the prongs.

Stone Kinds. CZ's are good to start as are man-made birthstones. Most of the birthstones are synthetic sapphire (corundum) and are quite hard. The value of these stones is, they are pretty when set and are not expensive. The cuts are fairly uniform, too, compared to less expensive natural stones. Still, you need to practice on some stones which are not tough as the birthstones. For this, choose perhaps some inexpensive, meaning almost colorless, amethysts and inexpensive garnets.

These will not be the most beautiful gems but are wonderful for practice and can look pretty in earrings and pendants. You will likely discover the girdle or waist of inexpensive natural gems may be varied in thickness and the angles of the facets on the pavilion or bottom of the stone may vary. The idea is to get the stone level in the mounting so it looks level to the eye.

For the work to be done just like it should, stone seats need to be cut into the prongs to match the gemstone on hand. I suggest trying something in sterling silver. The metal is easy to bend and work. In fact, sterling is soft enough to "over bend" without due care. Gold is somewhat more springy and takes more effort to properly set than silver. However, gold is more forgiving than silver and certainly takes a better finish in the final steps. I suggest a sterling pendant, facet set stone in prongs. That is a good starting place.

Please, keep in mind the main idea is to have a finished piece that does look good to the eye! The stone should be safe and secure in the setting but that is not "seen". What is seen is the finished jewelry. That is the impression both to you and to anyone who happens to see it. Set the stone at a pleasing depth in the prongs, stone set level, finish off the prongs so all is uniform and neatly done. It will take some time to get use to this kind of think, but when you do get use to this kind of thing you will have no problem fixing your jewelery, your families, maybe even some of your friends jewelery.

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Tuesday, January 1, 2013